Montrose, SD

Montrose Ice Rink Now Open!
Ice Skates Available For Check-Out At Montrose General Store

For Immediate Release—The outdoor ice rink located just south of the Montrose Softball Complex is frozen and ready for action! The rink is one of the only outdoor facilities available outside of Sioux Falls, and is being maintained by community volunteers.
        A variety of ice skates, hockey-style and figure, is available for check-out at the Montrose General Store. The used skates were purchased using funds available to Montrose through the Horizon’s Community Leadership to Reduce Poverty Program. Montrose was chosen to participate in the program in the fall of 2006, and is now in the action phase of the Horizon’s process. The ice rink is just one of the many projects being tackled by volunteer committees. The committees were formed during the Montrose Vision Plan meeting, held December 2.
        “Getting more people involved in a healthy activity like ice skating is exactly the type of thing Horizon’s is here to promote,” said Horizon’s Community Coordinator, Martha Landes. “One of the goals was to provide more opportunities for area residents. Hopefully people of all ages will take advantage of this great asset to the Montrose community.”
        Plans to improve the ice rink include bringing in some picnic tables for sitting, and possibly building some benches for changing into and out of skates. The ice skating rink committee is also looking into future plans for a winter shelter near the rink, installing an overhead light and other enhancements.
        Skate donations—especially very small and larger sizes– are also being accepted at the General Store, in addition to the twenty pairs already available. Use of the ice skates is free to the public, but the ice rink committee asks that the skates be returned immediately after use so others can enjoy them.
        For more information on the ice skating rink or to volunteer your time in maintaining the rink, building benches or teaching others to skate, contact Jamie Grosdidier at 605-363-3927.
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Corwin and Christian had smiles on their faces this past Sunday as Montrose celebrated the fact that we had a Strategic Plan written and specific objectives to make their community a better place for their future.

These two young men attended all three of our Vision Plan writing sessions. Their area of interest? Goal #3: Providing Opportunities for All Montrose Area Residents. They took an active role in discussions and had some great ideas to share. And they were on hand when we presented the plan to the public on Sunday. Needless to say, they were most interested in developing a skating park in our park–but they definitely contributed to our other objectives, as well. I’m proud of them, and their parents, for understanding the importance of this entire process–and the need to get our young people involved. It is their future! Thanks to all community members who took time out to participate in any or all parts to date. Thanks, too, to Martha for serving as our community coordinator over these many months, and Kari for being there watching over us and attending our celebration event on Sunday–even if the roads weren’t the best. We appreciate the support of the Horizons’ Community.

Now the work begins as we start the action plan. Wish us luck!!

If you weren’t able to attend Sunday’s event, copies of the Strategic Plan are available at the General Store. Just ask them. There’s no charge for the booklet–just asking that you take time to read it over and decide how best to become involved. And then call anyone listed on the back cover of the publication to find out more.

The snow didn’t stop Montrose residents or Santa Claus from attending the Celebration event on Sunday. I’m so glad I was able to make it. The food was great, the treats were lovely, the Written Strategic Plan is truly Inspiring! But, most of all, the people are excited to make some positive changes in the area.
If you weren’t able to attend the event, stop by the grocery store and pick up a copy of the Montrose ON the Move - Strategic Plan for the Future. There are many exciting objectives listed in the Plan and each one needs more interested people to make them happen. I’m sure there are several community improvement ideas that are calling your name! You can help in some way, for big and small efforts are needed. The committees will be forming soon so don’t be shy to step up to help your community.
Congratulations, Montrose!